What kind of tree should we plant?

Question: I have a 1.5 story house that is beige with burgundy shutters. I would like to plant a decorative tree that will accent the house nicely. I am looking for a tree that shouldn't be more then 20-30 feet high due to electrical/cable wires. I live in Michigan, which I believe is in zone 5. Originally, I wanted a red Japanese Maple but fear the cost! There used to be a dark crab tree there but got black smut and had to be removed. Now our front yard looks terribly bare! What do you suggest??

Answer: My favorite sort of question, and you included your Hardiness zone... a perfect question. I preface this, by advising you to take your list of answers to the local independent garden center or nursery, and ask them which of these trees they can get for you, and their costs. It's nice to have a list of rare/ exotic trees, but if you can't get them, or they cost too much, you're in the same boat that you're in already. I think you could still consider Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum). Bloodgood is a good cultivar which is relatively inexpensive. Zone 5 can be harsh, I'd probably not suggest it in areas which are prone to strong winds. Golden Rain tree (Koelruteria paniculata) is very nice, yellow flowers in the summer, followed by a dried 'paper lantern' like 'fruit'. Nannyberry (Viburnum lentago) is good too. It is native to the USA. Cornelian Cherry (Cornus mas) or Witch Hazel (Hamamelis) are very good multi-trunked flowering trees. Both bloom exceptionally early (March) in my area of zone 5. Persian Ironwood (Parrotia persica) is one of my favorites, excellent fall coloration. I hope that you can find these out in commerce. I think any one would add great genetic diversification to your area. Because of that, you'll have a tree easy to grow, with few insect or disease problems. I hope that this helps

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